By the time they arrived atJinling University, it was already 2 PM.

The bus pulled up along a tree-lined path filled with plane trees. Suddenly, Han Xiaoxiao excitedly raised her hand:

“Coach, can we go toQinhuai Rivertonight?”

“We’re heading back toModutonight… but if you want to stay in Jinling, it’s not out of the question,” Coach Zhai replied.

Han Xiaoxiao’s eyes sparkled, but Shen Tingzhi was already one step ahead with an invitation.

“Mr. Lu, want to check outQinhuai Rivertonight?”

“Nope,” Lu Ye declined. “Boys have to protect themselves when they’re out and about.”

“Bu-yi!”Eeveebared its teeth fiercely, perched on Lu Ye’s shoulder.

They were greeted byJinling University’scoach, Cui Yuanshan, who shook hands with Coach Zhai.

Coach Zhai laughed heartily, “My team hasn’t slept since the night before that!”

Cui Yuanshan raised an eyebrow, “Mine haven’t closed their eyes for three days!”

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned.

Are you two seriously competing over something so trivial?

“Who are you fooling, old Cui?” Coach Zhai smirked coldly. “Enough with the pleasantries. Let’s settle this on the field!”

“Hah! And you call yourselfModu'scoach? Come on, let’s see what your rookies are made of!”

When old rivals meet, tensions flare. This playful banter was just their unique way of greeting each other.

Inside theJinling Battle Center, the massive circular arena was ready for action.

On both sides, a smattering of spectators, including some faculty members, had gathered.

“Eeveeis so cute!” a young woman exclaimed.

“ThatEeveehasn’t evolved yet?” a student grumbled.

“Is it just here to fill the numbers?”

Mr. Wang fromJinling Universityturned back with a glare, and the crowd fell silent.

“IsModustill usingTrick Roomtactics this year?” Mr. Wang asked.

“Hard to say…” Cui Yuanshan shook his head.

“There’s no info on thatEeveeTrainer in the lineup.”

“Coach Cui, that’s the champion of theModu Piplup Cup!” Feng Zhe interjected.

Qin Yu smiled, “He’s called Mr. Lu, right…? Isn’t he also a gaming streamer?”

Zhao Xianyong’s lips twitched, and a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

He had almost revealed that he was a fan of Mr. Lu!

…

The captains from both teams stepped forward to shake hands.

Wang Rui took the field first, kicking off the match.

From the sidelines, Coach Zhai frowned and whispered:

“The first opponent is Jiangsu’s Rookie King.”

Lu Ye coughed, “Just saying, you’re sitting next toModu'sRookie King, too.”

Coach Zhai blinked, “That’s true… I always forget…”

Lu Ye’s performance had been so astonishing that his Rookie Champion title felt almost unreal.

The opponent, Su Yu, sent out aScyther, aPokémonknown for its speed and flair in battles.

“Su Yu leads off… Wang Rui’sDusknoirstill has a chance,” Coach Zhai mused.

Lu Ye glanced atDusknoir'smoveset. There was noThunder PunchorFire Punchin the list.

“Let’s hopeWill-O-Wisphits,” Lu Ye murmured.

“ThatScytheris probably going to buff up.”

The battle began, and Su Yu took the initiative: “Scyther,Swords Dance!”

“Chak-cha!”Scytherbrandished its scythes, the blades gleaming with a metallic sheen.

Wang Rui didn’t useWill-O-Wispimmediately but set upTrick Room.

A purple, tangible forcefield covered the arena, andScyther'smovements slowed down.

“Will-O-Wisp!”

Hearing Wang Rui’s command, Lu Ye shook his head.

Setting upTrick Roombut not activatingGravity…

Kid, you’re still too naive!

Scytherfluttered its wings, dodging theWill-O-Wispwhile slicing towardDusknoir, leaving a deep gash.

Cui Yuanshan nodded in satisfaction:

“Su Yu’s command skills are sharp.”

“DodgedWill-O-Wisptwice—his opponent’s probably losing it!” Feng Zhe laughed.

Wang Rui’s forehead was slick with sweat. The jeers from the crowd were shaking his focus.

Sensing his chance,ScythertookDusknoirdown with a final blow.

“Next,” Su Yu said calmly.

Wang Rui froze, gritting his teeth, his mind blank.

Coach Zhai glanced at Lu Ye, sighing, “You called it.”

Two missedWill-O-Wisps…

Is my mouth cursed or something?

Lu Ye coughed, “It’s fine… Gu Zhong’sTorkoalhas the type advantage.”

No sooner had he spoken than Gu Zhong walked onto the field, his face set in determination.

As he passed Lu Ye, he stammered, “Coach… Coach Lu, I won’t let you down!”

Lu Ye paused, then smiled and nodded.

Gu Zhong took a deep breath, his gaze firming up.

Even if I’m not the strongest,

There are still things I can do!

A blazing sun appeared over the field.

“Torkoal,Overheat!” Gu Zhong shouted.

Torkoalroared, a thick plume of smoke laced with sparks surging towardScyther.

ButScytherdarted forward, slicing through the smoke and strikingTorkoalhard.

Crack!

A sharp sound made everyone wince, andTorkoalcried out.Scytherkept up the relentless assault.

“This isn’t good… The gap is too wide,” Lu Ye frowned.

Coach Zhai slapped the table, “Why doesn’t he just forfeit?!”

Gu Zhong clenched his fists asTorkoal’s eyes burned with resolve.

Coach Lu stayed up late, taughtTorkoalIron Defense, and gave me that preciousPokéblock…

I can’t let him down!

“Torkoal,Iron Defense!” Gu Zhong shouted. “Hold strong, then useOverheat!”

The straightforward command drew laughter from the crowd.

“Who fights like that?”

“Is this reallyModu'sschool team?”

Mr. Wang glanced questioningly at Cui Yuanshan.

Cui Yuanshan sighed, “Maybe he’s just too green.”

“But that kid’s so stubborn!” Mr. Wang pointed at Gu Zhong.

“He still won’t surrender?”

Torkoalwas battered and bruised, but it and Gu Zhong waited for a chance to strike.

Finally, Su Yu left a deliberate opening.

Torkoalcharged withFlame Wheelbut was swiftly struck down byScyther.

The crowd murmured in disappointment.

“What a waste of time.”

Gu Zhong hung his head, defeated.

Even after all this effort, there was no result…

Coach Lu worked so hard for me, hadEeveetrain with me…

I still let him down.

Tears welled in Gu Zhong’s eyes, but with so many people around, he just stood there awkwardly.

“Why’s he still on stage? He lost!” someone shouted.

A hand suddenly rested on Gu Zhong’s shoulder.

He looked up in confusion.

Lu Ye smiled at him, then glanced at the limpingTorkoalcrawling back.

“Hard work doesn’t always lead to success,” Lu Ye said gently.

“ButPokémonwill never betray your effort.”

Lu Ye patted his shoulder.

“I’ll win this one for you.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com